Children going to school hungry and cold as parents struggle to make ends meet, teaching union warns

CHILDREN are going to school hungry, cold and wearing dirty clothes because their parents are struggling for money, a teachers union has warned.

Members of the NASUWT, which represents thousands of teachers across the North-East and North Yorkshire, have reported that some children are turning up for lessons with mouldy food in their lunchboxes and holes in their uniforms.

A survey of almost 4,000 NASUWT members found that many teachers are giving pupils money out of their own pocket, providing food and lending clothes to help them out.

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The warnings come days after foodbanks across the region reported a 463 per cent increase in the number of people using the services.

The Trussell Trust reported that 18,592 adults and children in County Durham received three days' emergency food relief from its foodbanks in 2013-14. In total, 59,000 people accessed foodbank support in the North–East.

The president of the NASUWT, Geoff Branner, said yesterday (Friday) that schools alone cannot solve the problems of poverty, poor housing, neglect and abuse.

In a speech at NASUWT's annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Branner said: “Public education is not just about developing an individual’s capacity to earn, it has a moral objective as well - to tackle inequality.

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“Public education must be about more than providing for the most able - it must be about all.”

But he added: “Whether education alone can overcome the malign effects of poverty, poor housing, neglect and abuse in all its forms is questionable.”

The poll of NASUWT teachers revealed stories of pupils hugging radiators to keep warm and getting upset when they lose basic items such as pencils and rubbers because they are fearful of the cost of replacing them.

The union said it had commissioned the survey in response to concerns raised by teachers about the long-term impact of Government economic policies on children and young people.

The findings show that almost three quarters - 74 per cent - of teachers have seen pupils coming to school hungry, with 80 per cent saying that youngsters had been lacking in energy and concentration because they were eating poorly.

The poll also revealed that 27 per cent of teachers said they had experience of students losing their homes due to financial problems.

One NASUWT member said: “I have never known such abject poverty as my pupils are suffering at the moment.

“Many are affected by the cold - they cannot complete any work at home as a result of lack of heat, warmth, equipment, and we are seeing more pupils being told by their parents to stay behind in school at night in order to make sure they can do their homework with light and warmth.”

Another said they had seen "children practically hugging radiators, children eating at friend's houses because they don't have food at home. Mouldy food in packed lunch boxes".

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said: “The lives of children and young people are being degraded by poverty and homelessness.

“Teachers and other public service workers are struggling to pick up the pieces caused by this Coalition’s economic and social policies.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said the Government was taking decisive action to help disadvantaged pupils.

She said: “Around 1.3m children currently receive a free, nutritious meal at school. We are extending this to all five to seven-year-olds in state maintained schools from September and allocating more than £1m to help schools establish more breakfast clubs.

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“We have invested in the Pupil Premium, raising it from £625m in 2011-12 to £2.5bn in 2014-15.

“This is giving schools the additional resources they need to raise disadvantaged pupils attainment, and give them a better start in life.”

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Comments (33)

Children going to school hungry and cold as parents struggle to make ends meet, teaching union warns

Voice-of-reality says...12:37am Sat 19 Apr 14

This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.

This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.Voice-of-reality

This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.

Score: 34

darloboss says...4:32am Sat 19 Apr 14

change the record vor

change the record vordarloboss

change the record vor

Score: 0

jandarlo says...6:08am Sat 19 Apr 14

it doesn't cost much to keep your children clean and supermarket cereals are cheap enough for breakfast and beans on toast costs less than a pound! a lot of this is people spending money on the wrong things. the heating part I can understand though as the cost as risen considerably....but don't make excuses for children going to school dirty and hungry because there is no need for it at all- however poor you are!

it doesn't cost much to keep your children clean and supermarket cereals are cheap enough for breakfast and beans on toast costs less than a pound! a lot of this is people spending money on the wrong things. the heating part I can understand though as the cost as risen considerably....but don't make excuses for children going to school dirty and hungry because there is no need for it at all- however poor you are!jandarlo

it doesn't cost much to keep your children clean and supermarket cereals are cheap enough for breakfast and beans on toast costs less than a pound! a lot of this is people spending money on the wrong things. the heating part I can understand though as the cost as risen considerably....but don't make excuses for children going to school dirty and hungry because there is no need for it at all- however poor you are!

Score: 56

Ron Carter-Bonsteel says...7:59am Sat 19 Apr 14

WHILE we do have parents who do use their money for flags and booze the majority don't. People do tend to tar everyone with the same brush. What about zero-hours and very low wages benefits for a young person is around £56 a week for under 25s Couples get double. With heating,electric,wat er.food. Many people's income is near enough gone. I do not make apologies for people who do have the money for their children's needs but I know of my own family and friends who are trying so hard to get a job and who in their right minds would want to live on benefits and low-income? While many condemn people you have to walk in their shoes. No children should go to school hungry and teachers do their very best to help their pupils but it's up to all of us to highlight the growing number of people in poverty. People never seem to mention the people who started this all off The Bankers. MP's while nothing as changed with them has it? They still get their massive bonuses and MP's some are still fiddling the system but if that was any member of the public we would be up at court and jailed and rightly so. This Coalition Government say we are all in this together but for millions of people it just doesn't seem that way.

WHILE we do have parents who do use their money for flags and booze the majority don't. People do tend to tar everyone with the same brush. What about zero-hours and very low wages benefits for a young person is around £56 a week for under 25s Couples get double. With heating,electric,wat
er.food.
Many people's income is near enough gone.
I do not make apologies for people who do have the money for their children's needs but I know of my own family and friends who are trying so hard to get a job and who in their right minds would want to live on benefits and low-income? While many condemn people you have to walk in their shoes.
No children should go to school hungry and teachers do their very best to help their pupils but it's up to all of us to highlight the growing number of people in poverty. People never seem to mention the people who started this all off The Bankers. MP's while nothing as changed with them has it? They still get their massive bonuses and MP's some are still fiddling the system but if that was any member of the public we would be up at court and jailed and rightly so.
This Coalition Government say we are all in this together but for millions of people it just doesn't seem that way.Ron Carter-Bonsteel

WHILE we do have parents who do use their money for flags and booze the majority don't. People do tend to tar everyone with the same brush. What about zero-hours and very low wages benefits for a young person is around £56 a week for under 25s Couples get double. With heating,electric,wat er.food. Many people's income is near enough gone. I do not make apologies for people who do have the money for their children's needs but I know of my own family and friends who are trying so hard to get a job and who in their right minds would want to live on benefits and low-income? While many condemn people you have to walk in their shoes. No children should go to school hungry and teachers do their very best to help their pupils but it's up to all of us to highlight the growing number of people in poverty. People never seem to mention the people who started this all off The Bankers. MP's while nothing as changed with them has it? They still get their massive bonuses and MP's some are still fiddling the system but if that was any member of the public we would be up at court and jailed and rightly so. This Coalition Government say we are all in this together but for millions of people it just doesn't seem that way.

Score: 14

Jonn says...9:10am Sat 19 Apr 14

Voice-of-reality wrote…

This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.

Or maybe years of stagnant wages and the rocketing cost of living has something to do with it?

[quote][p][bold]Voice-of-reality[/bold] wrote:
This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.[/p][/quote]Or maybe years of stagnant wages and the rocketing cost of living has something to do with it?Jonn

Voice-of-reality wrote…

This is little more than laziness on the parts of the parents. They need to work harder and provide for the children they have (and not have any more). They get child benefit and this should be spent on the children - not fags and booze. The answer is to 'ring fence' the child benefit money and get repsonsible adults to feed and water the children.

Or maybe years of stagnant wages and the rocketing cost of living has something to do with it?

Score: 14

stevegg says...9:26am Sat 19 Apr 14

Isnt this what chld benefit is for? As has been said before - its all about prioritising and this is the parents fault. Those on benefits get the same or more money than most people working. Those who have been sanctioned it is their own fault! Problem is these people prioritise their spending on fags, booze, most expensive sky package, 60 inch plasma screen TV,s, latest mobile phone plus contract, ipods, laptops, x box etc etc than budget this money to buy essentials as this is their chosen lifestyle. They have the money, they just refuse to spend it economically and wisely and then expect more handouts and/or other people to sort their problem out for them.

Isnt this what chld benefit is for? As has been said before - its all about prioritising and this is the parents fault. Those on benefits get the same or more money than most people working. Those who have been sanctioned it is their own fault! Problem is these people prioritise their spending on fags, booze, most expensive sky package, 60 inch plasma screen TV,s, latest mobile phone plus contract, ipods, laptops, x box etc etc than budget this money to buy essentials as this is their chosen lifestyle. They have the money, they just refuse to spend it economically and wisely and then expect more handouts and/or other people to sort their problem out for them.stevegg

Isnt this what chld benefit is for? As has been said before - its all about prioritising and this is the parents fault. Those on benefits get the same or more money than most people working. Those who have been sanctioned it is their own fault! Problem is these people prioritise their spending on fags, booze, most expensive sky package, 60 inch plasma screen TV,s, latest mobile phone plus contract, ipods, laptops, x box etc etc than budget this money to buy essentials as this is their chosen lifestyle. They have the money, they just refuse to spend it economically and wisely and then expect more handouts and/or other people to sort their problem out for them.

Score: 35

laboursfoe says...10:06am Sat 19 Apr 14

Expect to see a lot more of this Union driven stuff over the next 12 months. I admit there will be kids that will be sent to school without the level of food, cleanliness and clothing. It was the same in the mid 80's, mid 90's and mid 00's. The fact is that some people just don't care, it's always been the same and whilst people are conveniently provided with reasons to divert blame they will continue to behave in this way. What they really need is to be grabbed by the neck and be told that it isn't acceptable and be provided with info/guidance that shows how to meet their responsibilities even with limited resources.

Expect to see a lot more of this Union driven stuff over the next 12 months.
I admit there will be kids that will be sent to school without the level of food, cleanliness and clothing. It was the same in the mid 80's, mid 90's and mid 00's. The fact is that some people just don't care, it's always been the same and whilst people are conveniently provided with reasons to divert blame they will continue to behave in this way.
What they really need is to be grabbed by the neck and be told that it isn't acceptable and be provided with info/guidance that shows how to meet their responsibilities even with limited resources.laboursfoe

Expect to see a lot more of this Union driven stuff over the next 12 months. I admit there will be kids that will be sent to school without the level of food, cleanliness and clothing. It was the same in the mid 80's, mid 90's and mid 00's. The fact is that some people just don't care, it's always been the same and whilst people are conveniently provided with reasons to divert blame they will continue to behave in this way. What they really need is to be grabbed by the neck and be told that it isn't acceptable and be provided with info/guidance that shows how to meet their responsibilities even with limited resources.

Score: 28

K. Richardson says...10:33am Sat 19 Apr 14

I can think of no reason to send your children to school dirty. I was going to concede that, at a pinch, it is feasible for a child to go to school hungry but then looked at the price of value products and found ; Beans 24p, Bread 47p, Cornflakes 31p, Milk (4 pints) £1.00. Surely even somebody in Britan's idea of poverty can budget for that.

I can think of no reason to send your children to school dirty.
I was going to concede that, at a pinch, it is feasible for a child to go to school hungry but then looked at the price of value products and found ;
Beans 24p, Bread 47p, Cornflakes 31p, Milk (4 pints) £1.00.
Surely even somebody in Britan's idea of poverty can budget for that.K. Richardson

I can think of no reason to send your children to school dirty. I was going to concede that, at a pinch, it is feasible for a child to go to school hungry but then looked at the price of value products and found ; Beans 24p, Bread 47p, Cornflakes 31p, Milk (4 pints) £1.00. Surely even somebody in Britan's idea of poverty can budget for that.

Score: 32

Jackaranda says...11:49am Sat 19 Apr 14

"CHILDREN are going to school hungry, cold and wearing dirty clothes because their parents are struggling for money, a teachers union has warned." And inside those grubby pockets you'll probably find the latest smartphones!!

"CHILDREN are going to school hungry, cold and wearing dirty clothes because their parents are struggling for money, a teachers union has warned."
And inside those grubby pockets you'll probably find the latest smartphones!!Jackaranda

"CHILDREN are going to school hungry, cold and wearing dirty clothes because their parents are struggling for money, a teachers union has warned." And inside those grubby pockets you'll probably find the latest smartphones!!

Score: 26

jen.smith says...12:00pm Sat 19 Apr 14

I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.

I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.jen.smith

I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.

Score: 54

Voice-of-reality says...12:07pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Dear Jen, You are a shining example of how people should behave. That you always put your children first and ensure that they are okay - is an example to all. I hope you have a relaxing Easter.

Dear Jen,
You are a shining example of how people should behave. That you always put your children first and ensure that they are okay - is an example to all.
I hope you have a relaxing Easter.Voice-of-reality

Dear Jen, You are a shining example of how people should behave. That you always put your children first and ensure that they are okay - is an example to all. I hope you have a relaxing Easter.

Score: 40

DarloXman says...1:27pm Sat 19 Apr 14

You could give many of these "families" an extra £300/week in benefits and it would make no difference to how they bring up their children - they would still be sent to school unfed and unwashed. Some people are not fit to bring up children - however much money they are given - and society needs to recognise this and do something about it.

You could give many of these "families" an extra £300/week in benefits and it would make no difference to how they bring up their children - they would still be sent to school unfed and unwashed.
Some people are not fit to bring up children - however much money they are given - and society needs to recognise this and do something about it.DarloXman

You could give many of these "families" an extra £300/week in benefits and it would make no difference to how they bring up their children - they would still be sent to school unfed and unwashed. Some people are not fit to bring up children - however much money they are given - and society needs to recognise this and do something about it.

Score: 39

CTRILEY says...3:23pm Sat 19 Apr 14

jen.smith wrote…

I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.

You all make valid points but as I read the comments I couldn't help but be remind that today we all live in a society where there are far to many "children raising children". An education provides the basis for a good job and career. But start a family when you've barely left school, then you have to get a job and say goodbye to learning a trade, college, university, etc.

[quote][p][bold]jen.smith[/bold] wrote:
I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.[/p][/quote]You all make valid points but as I read the comments I couldn't help but be remind that today we all live in a society where there are far to many "children raising children".
An education provides the basis for a good job and career. But start a family when you've barely left school, then you have to get a job and say goodbye to learning a trade, college, university, etc.CTRILEY

jen.smith wrote…

I give my life to my kids. I don't have much money but I go without just to make sure they have what they need. I have gone without meals to feed them when there hasn't been enough for us all, I haven't bought myself new clothes for a couple yrs either. All my money goes on the kids, shopping and bills. There is absolutely no excuse for kids going to school dirty, wet wipes at the very least cost about a pound. Mine get a shower every night and clothes washed daily, even their uniforms, but each morning before school the youngest will get his face and hands washed again, even with just a wipe. It is laziness and I would be ashamed of myself if I sent the kids to school looking dirty. I struggle everyday with lack of money, but priority over everything else is to use what money I have sensibly and for the good of the kids and they will certainly never go hungry, I will though.

You all make valid points but as I read the comments I couldn't help but be remind that today we all live in a society where there are far to many "children raising children". An education provides the basis for a good job and career. But start a family when you've barely left school, then you have to get a job and say goodbye to learning a trade, college, university, etc.

Score: 6

hogworth says...3:43pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Well done Jen Smith you obviously are a great parent and cut your coat according to the cloth, to use an old saying. Teachers just get on with the job you are paid to do and keep out of politics.

Well done Jen Smith you obviously are a great parent and cut your coat according to the cloth, to use an old saying. Teachers just get on with the job you are paid to do and keep out of politics.hogworth

Well done Jen Smith you obviously are a great parent and cut your coat according to the cloth, to use an old saying. Teachers just get on with the job you are paid to do and keep out of politics.

Score: 14

Copley23 says...4:52pm Sat 19 Apr 14

There are sandwiches and there are MOULDY sandwiches. The blind leading the blind. Geez.

There are sandwiches and there are MOULDY sandwiches.
The blind leading the blind. Geez.Copley23

There are sandwiches and there are MOULDY sandwiches. The blind leading the blind. Geez.

Score: 0

Heatinspector says...5:40pm Sat 19 Apr 14

I remember very well walking the 2 miles to school, freezing cold and wet, holes in shoes and raggedy assed. Coming home for lunch in all weathers and only having bread and sugar to eat. The traumatic events of that era were never addressed but we survived. I appreciate that teachers are getting involved but there is little they could do then and probably not now either, not with food bank usage up 460% I have to believe it is more than just lack of care for the child; in a lot of cases, more failing to be responsible as a parent.

I remember very well walking the 2 miles to school, freezing cold and wet, holes in shoes and raggedy assed. Coming home for lunch in all weathers and only having bread and sugar to eat. The traumatic events of that era were never addressed but we survived. I appreciate that teachers are getting involved but there is little they could do then and probably not now either, not with food bank usage up 460% I have to believe it is more than just lack of care for the child; in a lot of cases, more failing to be responsible as a parent.Heatinspector

I remember very well walking the 2 miles to school, freezing cold and wet, holes in shoes and raggedy assed. Coming home for lunch in all weathers and only having bread and sugar to eat. The traumatic events of that era were never addressed but we survived. I appreciate that teachers are getting involved but there is little they could do then and probably not now either, not with food bank usage up 460% I have to believe it is more than just lack of care for the child; in a lot of cases, more failing to be responsible as a parent.

Score: 22

rat man says...6:39pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Don't believe a word of it. Concentrate on your next pay claim, NASUWT!!

Don't believe a word of it. Concentrate on your next pay claim, NASUWT!!

Score: -9

NO EINSTEIN says...7:57pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.

Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.NO EINSTEIN

Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.

Score: -12

loan_star says...9:31pm Sat 19 Apr 14

When I was a kid school uniforms werent cheap. These days a kid can be fitted out for next to nowt with supermarket clothing. Its cheaper to send a kid out in school uniform than it ever was in the 80s.

When I was a kid school uniforms werent cheap. These days a kid can be fitted out for next to nowt with supermarket clothing. Its cheaper to send a kid out in school uniform than it ever was in the 80s.loan_star

When I was a kid school uniforms werent cheap. These days a kid can be fitted out for next to nowt with supermarket clothing. Its cheaper to send a kid out in school uniform than it ever was in the 80s.

Score: 7

bambara says...9:51pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right. Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty. It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted. How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck? How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after? A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident? The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs. This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...

Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right.
Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty.
It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted.
How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck?
How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after?
A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident?
The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that
there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs.
This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...bambara

Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right. Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty. It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted. How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck? How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after? A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident? The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs. This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...

Score: -4

laboursfoe says...10:37pm Sat 19 Apr 14

bambara wrote…

Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right. Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty. It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted. How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck? How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after? A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident? The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs. This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...

Well, I think just about everyone else on here has noted that this particular issue is not really down to being poor or having limited resources. The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state. Some people make bad choices, some don't care, some people are just bl@@dy selfish and some would like to put the blame at the feet of those that are completely unconnected to the issue. This has been going on for decades, it's not down to policy, it's down to parenting and choices made by people that are supposed to be responsible.

[quote][p][bold]bambara[/bold] wrote:
Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right.
Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty.
It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted.
How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck?
How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after?
A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident?
The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that
there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs.
This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...[/p][/quote]Well, I think just about everyone else on here has noted that this particular issue is not really down to being poor or having limited resources.
The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state.
Some people make bad choices, some don't care, some people are just bl@@dy selfish and some would like to put the blame at the feet of those that are completely unconnected to the issue.
This has been going on for decades, it's not down to policy, it's down to parenting and choices made by people that are supposed to be responsible.laboursfoe

bambara wrote…

Yet another example of the Sociopathic ideology that drives the far right. Even if the parents are useless, the kids have done nothing to deserve living in poverty. It is the same stuck record of repeated lies from the Sociopathic Right Wing that they spout every time the proof of inequality and injustice is highlighted. How do you think the family who were doing well until Dad had the heart attack, or mum was struck by multiple sclerosis fits in to this? The ones who already had the kids, and were dumped into poverty through sheer bad luck? How about the women who find themselves abandoned by a useless partner with a family to look after? A couple of weeks ago there was a story in this paper about a young man who had been knocked off his motorbike and killed, he had just started working on a job away from home. He was home to visit his son for his birthday. How many other families have lost a father or had one seriously injured due to an accident? The poor are not the cause of this countries problems, the cause is that there is a real and widening inequality gap, those who have little or nothing and live from day to day, week to week, just getting by, and the few at the top, the fat cats, the parasitic rich who believe that everyone else should be grateful for the meagre crumbs. This story shows the REAL effects of Tory policy, cuts to social services opening up gaps that people can fall through, cuts to benefits leaving people in desperate conditions. Cuts to higher rates of Tax...

Well, I think just about everyone else on here has noted that this particular issue is not really down to being poor or having limited resources. The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state. Some people make bad choices, some don't care, some people are just bl@@dy selfish and some would like to put the blame at the feet of those that are completely unconnected to the issue. This has been going on for decades, it's not down to policy, it's down to parenting and choices made by people that are supposed to be responsible.

Score: 1

NO EINSTEIN says...11:24pm Sat 19 Apr 14

NO EINSTEIN wrote…

Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.

MY GOD YOU REALLY ARE THICK YOU THUMBS DOWN LOT, i'm knocking these people, NOT AGREEING WITH THEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quote][p][bold]NO EINSTEIN[/bold] wrote:
Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.[/p][/quote]MY GOD YOU REALLY ARE THICK YOU THUMBS DOWN LOT, i'm knocking these people, NOT AGREEING WITH THEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NO EINSTEIN

NO EINSTEIN wrote…

Don't worry about the kids, look after the Royals, immigrants, and dole scroungers, if the kids cop it, they can have more.

MY GOD YOU REALLY ARE THICK YOU THUMBS DOWN LOT, i'm knocking these people, NOT AGREEING WITH THEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Score: -8

IanfromCrook says...11:41pm Sat 19 Apr 14

Two separate issues I think.......Families on low income have had and are getting a good kicking with the policies of the ConDems. Secondly neglectful parents exist. However those children that are not looked after properly their plight will be worsened by the squeeze on their parents income......bad parenting made worse. Whatever the cause those children need help. They are getting no help from the suited oiks in parliament busy playing board games with our lives.

Two separate issues I think.......Families on low income have had and are getting a good kicking with the policies of the ConDems. Secondly neglectful parents exist. However those children that are not looked after properly their plight will be worsened by the squeeze on their parents income......bad parenting made worse. Whatever the cause those children need help. They are getting no help from the suited oiks in parliament busy playing board games with our lives.IanfromCrook

Two separate issues I think.......Families on low income have had and are getting a good kicking with the policies of the ConDems. Secondly neglectful parents exist. However those children that are not looked after properly their plight will be worsened by the squeeze on their parents income......bad parenting made worse. Whatever the cause those children need help. They are getting no help from the suited oiks in parliament busy playing board games with our lives.

Score: 3

bambara says...9:02am Sun 20 Apr 14

"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state." The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment. My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.

"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state."
The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment.
My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.bambara

"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state." The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment. My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.

Score: 1

laboursfoe says...9:31am Sun 20 Apr 14

bambara wrote…

"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state." The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment. My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.

Yeah, that's right..... I'm balloting on Facebook at Twitter to get people to to come on here Labour bashing... If I could just get my Granny on here my target will be complete!!!!! These are real people with real views.... Many of us are parents and have also made sacrifices to ensure that our kids have the best possible experiences at school. The fact that the Unions are using parents that don't follow the same principles as political election fuel is an insult to all those that try and do. Look above at Jen.Smith's post, she is fantastic.

[quote][p][bold]bambara[/bold] wrote:
"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state."
The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment.
My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.[/p][/quote]Yeah, that's right..... I'm balloting on Facebook at Twitter to get people to to come on here Labour bashing...
If I could just get my Granny on here my target will be complete!!!!!
These are real people with real views.... Many of us are parents and have also made sacrifices to ensure that our kids have the best possible experiences at school.
The fact that the Unions are using parents that don't follow the same principles as political election fuel is an insult to all those that try and do. Look above at Jen.Smith's post, she is fantastic.laboursfoe

bambara wrote…

"The concensus is that it is bad prioities or simply not caring that is the main reason kids are going to school in this state." The concensus, yes I have noticed that a lot of UKIP/Tories are on the site at the moment. My guess is the Tory propoganda merchants drafting in support to help out in down voting any comment that they don't like.

Yeah, that's right..... I'm balloting on Facebook at Twitter to get people to to come on here Labour bashing... If I could just get my Granny on here my target will be complete!!!!! These are real people with real views.... Many of us are parents and have also made sacrifices to ensure that our kids have the best possible experiences at school. The fact that the Unions are using parents that don't follow the same principles as political election fuel is an insult to all those that try and do. Look above at Jen.Smith's post, she is fantastic.

Score: -5

Ron Carter-Bonsteel says...9:41am Sun 20 Apr 14

While some comments on this issue are very negative I have to agree that no one as a Crystal ball to look how our futures will pan out a illness.loss of life by a partner there are many things out there that can go wrong losing your job which many millions have done over the years through different Governments. Children are always the ones that are effected by decisions made in their parents lives by Government and I am saying all governments that have brought this Country to its knees with their greed and that of others who have made millions and that's just politicians who we vote for but to be honest I will never vote again because I am sick of politicians promising me a fairer society just for them to get into power and change the rules to suit themselves and party and that's how it starts. Over the decades can anyone say that our Country as got any better? I am still reading posts on media sites saying what everyone is saying now it just repeats itself over and over its the same arguments. All I want is a just and fair society were everyone in this Country is a stakeholder and can share the wealth and not just a minority. Look at me using my Crystal ball well I can dream can't I.

While some comments on this issue are very negative I have to agree that no one as a Crystal ball to look how our futures will pan out a illness.loss of life by a partner there are many things out there that can go wrong losing your job which many millions have done over the years through different Governments.
Children are always the ones that are effected by decisions made in their parents lives by Government and I am saying all governments that have brought this Country to its knees with their greed and that of others who have made millions and that's just politicians who we vote for but to be honest I will never vote again because I am sick of politicians promising me a fairer society just for them to get into power and change the rules to suit themselves and party and that's how it starts. Over the decades can anyone say that our Country as got any better? I am still reading posts on media sites saying what everyone is saying now it just repeats itself over and over its the same arguments. All I want is a just and fair society were everyone in this Country is a stakeholder and can share the wealth and not just a minority.
Look at me using my Crystal ball well I can dream can't I.Ron Carter-Bonsteel

While some comments on this issue are very negative I have to agree that no one as a Crystal ball to look how our futures will pan out a illness.loss of life by a partner there are many things out there that can go wrong losing your job which many millions have done over the years through different Governments. Children are always the ones that are effected by decisions made in their parents lives by Government and I am saying all governments that have brought this Country to its knees with their greed and that of others who have made millions and that's just politicians who we vote for but to be honest I will never vote again because I am sick of politicians promising me a fairer society just for them to get into power and change the rules to suit themselves and party and that's how it starts. Over the decades can anyone say that our Country as got any better? I am still reading posts on media sites saying what everyone is saying now it just repeats itself over and over its the same arguments. All I want is a just and fair society were everyone in this Country is a stakeholder and can share the wealth and not just a minority. Look at me using my Crystal ball well I can dream can't I.

Score: 7

bambara says...7:19pm Sun 20 Apr 14

"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party? But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband. Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"

"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party?
But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband.
Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"bambara

"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party? But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband. Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"

Score: -1

Voice-of-reality says...7:25pm Sun 20 Apr 14

NO. They can't read or write - having been educated during theLabour years

NO. They can't read or write - having been educated during theLabour yearsVoice-of-reality

NO. They can't read or write - having been educated during theLabour years

Score: -2

tomtopper says...10:14am Mon 21 Apr 14

bambara wrote…

"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party? But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband. Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"

Well, either you're not from the 'sector' you talk about or you're someone who is already raping the system... A lot of those on here probably have lived in council houses all through their lives, worked and bought their house, sacrificed many luxuries to make sure their offspring were looked after.. Going out to work every day, year in, year out, and always being just above the threshold for any type of benefit, paying full council tax, full prescription charges and dental charges etc whilst seeing folk in the same street, living in the same type of house, secure and maintained/updated on a regular basis by the council, not paying a penny yet have a nice tv laptop, smartphone, car and all the other stuff... This is true as I have seen it myself and a family member who is a joiner for the council goes in these properties on a daily basis and tells me how the majority of council tradesmen are sickened by the lifestyle of those who play the system, particularly the child tax credits..

[quote][p][bold]bambara[/bold] wrote:
"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party?
But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband.
Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"[/p][/quote]Well, either you're not from the 'sector' you talk about or you're someone who is already raping the system...
A lot of those on here probably have lived in council houses all through their lives, worked and bought their house, sacrificed many luxuries to make sure their offspring were looked after.. Going out to work every day, year in, year out, and always being just above the threshold for any type of benefit, paying full council tax, full prescription charges and dental charges etc whilst seeing folk in the same street, living in the same type of house, secure and maintained/updated on a regular basis by the council, not paying a penny yet have a nice tv laptop, smartphone, car and all the other stuff...
This is true as I have seen it myself and a family member who is a joiner for the council goes in these properties on a daily basis and tells me how the majority of council tradesmen are sickened by the lifestyle of those who play the system, particularly the child tax credits..tomtopper

bambara wrote…

"Real people with real views" indeed? How many of them from the local party? But none of them from the very sector of society who are impacted by the Tory cuts, why? Because they can't afford computers, and can't afford broadband. Despite the Tory lies and propoganda that they all have "the top end sky deal, and huge flat screen TV's"

Well, either you're not from the 'sector' you talk about or you're someone who is already raping the system... A lot of those on here probably have lived in council houses all through their lives, worked and bought their house, sacrificed many luxuries to make sure their offspring were looked after.. Going out to work every day, year in, year out, and always being just above the threshold for any type of benefit, paying full council tax, full prescription charges and dental charges etc whilst seeing folk in the same street, living in the same type of house, secure and maintained/updated on a regular basis by the council, not paying a penny yet have a nice tv laptop, smartphone, car and all the other stuff... This is true as I have seen it myself and a family member who is a joiner for the council goes in these properties on a daily basis and tells me how the majority of council tradesmen are sickened by the lifestyle of those who play the system, particularly the child tax credits..

Score: 7

Longbowman666 says...4:22pm Mon 21 Apr 14

The sad fact of the matter with regard to this is that for many years the child benefit system has been abused by many, with the money being pocketed to pay for luxuries such as Sky TV, laptops and plasma TV's etc, as well as of course cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. A few years ago when the money was paid over the post office counter via a book that the parent used, I can remember watching as parents went in to get their money, then the first places they headed to were the pub and the bookies! Perhaps then it is high time then that Child Benefit, so long abused, should be changed into another form, say for instance vouchers, which would only be able to be redeemed for certain items such as food, school meals, children's clothing etc, and not be able to be used for anything else such as I mention above. At least that way the money might stand a chance of being used to provide for those it was intended for, and the children of today might also stand a chance of growing up with food in their bellies and clothes on their backs!

The sad fact of the matter with regard to this is that for many years the child benefit system has been abused by many, with the money being pocketed to pay for luxuries such as Sky TV, laptops and plasma TV's etc, as well as of course cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. A few years ago when the money was paid over the post office counter via a book that the parent used, I can remember watching as parents went in to get their money, then the first places they headed to were the pub and the bookies!
Perhaps then it is high time then that Child Benefit, so long abused, should be changed into another form, say for instance vouchers, which would only be able to be redeemed for certain items such as food, school meals, children's clothing etc, and not be able to be used for anything else such as I mention above. At least that way the money might stand a chance of being used to provide for those it was intended for, and the children of today might also stand a chance of growing up with food in their bellies and clothes on their backs!Longbowman666

The sad fact of the matter with regard to this is that for many years the child benefit system has been abused by many, with the money being pocketed to pay for luxuries such as Sky TV, laptops and plasma TV's etc, as well as of course cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. A few years ago when the money was paid over the post office counter via a book that the parent used, I can remember watching as parents went in to get their money, then the first places they headed to were the pub and the bookies! Perhaps then it is high time then that Child Benefit, so long abused, should be changed into another form, say for instance vouchers, which would only be able to be redeemed for certain items such as food, school meals, children's clothing etc, and not be able to be used for anything else such as I mention above. At least that way the money might stand a chance of being used to provide for those it was intended for, and the children of today might also stand a chance of growing up with food in their bellies and clothes on their backs!

Score: 12

Pyroriffic says...1:15pm Tue 22 Apr 14

I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment. How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.

I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment.
How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.Pyroriffic

I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment. How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.

Score: 3

MartinMo says...3:12pm Tue 22 Apr 14

Pyroriffic wrote…

I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment. How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.

Problem with this though is you will find those parents in receipt of these vouchers will exchange for cash (swapping a £60 voucher for £40 cash) the using that to pay for alcohol / nicatine products and putting even less into the well being of the kids. Currently, a family with 2 kids, between CTC and child allowance receives approximately £7.67 per child a day (figures roughly worked out on the basis of £33 per week child allowance and £330 per month child tax credits for 2 kids) as well as free school meals which normally cost around £2.20 per day (total is just short of £10 per kid per day). With that in mind, if a child is forced to live in poverty then the fault lays in the hands of the parents. I have 2 kids but only receive the child allowance benefit £33 per week, £2.35 per child per day which covers the cost of the school meals and can only wish to have enough left of my salary after taxes to give them everything they need, but I, like many other decent working class parents, we manage.

[quote][p][bold]Pyroriffic[/bold] wrote:
I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment.
How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.[/p][/quote]Problem with this though is you will find those parents in receipt of these vouchers will exchange for cash (swapping a £60 voucher for £40 cash) the using that to pay for alcohol / nicatine products and putting even less into the well being of the kids.
Currently, a family with 2 kids, between CTC and child allowance receives approximately £7.67 per child a day (figures roughly worked out on the basis of £33 per week child allowance and £330 per month child tax credits for 2 kids) as well as free school meals which normally cost around £2.20 per day (total is just short of £10 per kid per day). With that in mind, if a child is forced to live in poverty then the fault lays in the hands of the parents. I have 2 kids but only receive the child allowance benefit £33 per week, £2.35 per child per day which covers the cost of the school meals and can only wish to have enough left of my salary after taxes to give them everything they need, but I, like many other decent working class parents, we manage.MartinMo

Pyroriffic wrote…

I'm inclined to agree with the suggestion about changing how Child Benefit works. Change it from money in the bank to vouchers redeemable against food and children's clothing and maybe some of these innocents won't have to suffer the excesses - accidental or intentional - of their parents. That money will then reach its intended recipient without going via the off licence or other non child-friendly establishment. How much truth there is in any media article, no matter how neutral the publication may or may not be, is always negligible, but to any teachers or other carers of children out there who are reaching into their own pockets to help those less privileged, you have my respect.

Problem with this though is you will find those parents in receipt of these vouchers will exchange for cash (swapping a £60 voucher for £40 cash) the using that to pay for alcohol / nicatine products and putting even less into the well being of the kids. Currently, a family with 2 kids, between CTC and child allowance receives approximately £7.67 per child a day (figures roughly worked out on the basis of £33 per week child allowance and £330 per month child tax credits for 2 kids) as well as free school meals which normally cost around £2.20 per day (total is just short of £10 per kid per day). With that in mind, if a child is forced to live in poverty then the fault lays in the hands of the parents. I have 2 kids but only receive the child allowance benefit £33 per week, £2.35 per child per day which covers the cost of the school meals and can only wish to have enough left of my salary after taxes to give them everything they need, but I, like many other decent working class parents, we manage.

Score: 8

RealLivin says...9:49am Wed 23 Apr 14

Reading through these comments I find lots of Political, Social and Union talk and while these are all relevant so is the lack of resources to fix the problem and why we have the problem in the first place. Lets start at the bottom, most parents work hard to look after their children (even if out of work), when you have a child you next 18+ years do not belong to you it is your job as parents to educate them teaching them language, right and wrong by our moral and English laws, basic reading, and life skills, i.e. slapping their hands when they try to put them in the fire, yes I said slapping your child, this short sharp shock is much better then you trying to explain to a child who cannot understand and having them burn themselves or worse. After this we send them to school to get better and more education than we as parents can provide. Once at school your education of them does not stop, teachers are there for academic education your are still the number one teacher for life skills, right and wrong, etc. There have always been parents who cant or don't want to look after their children, this is what social services are for. However in recent decades more children are the creation of a forgotten night with some one who cant be remembered and once the bill rolls in for that night one or both parties cant foot the bill or blatantly refuses and this doesn't include the "children raising children" (not just 12 year old's some 20 year old's are still kids). Teachers are for teaching, social services are for looking after social problems, social services should be an integral part of schools where issues like those raised here can be spotted and acted on. When I say acted on I mean the real issue of the right parents who are not looking after their children not the hard working skint parents who refuse to buy their child the latest xbox game and the child throws a tantrum and tell social services they are not being looked after. Unfortunately successive governments (Tories and Labour) have messed all of this up, by not putting in place a proper infrastructure to cope with our society, teachers, social services, school meals providers are all public sector jobs and we don't have any, the current government is trying to repair the problems caused by previous governments and has got it totally wrong, investment and jobs is what we need and when parents can afford to look after their children and themselves we can deal with the those that are not and we will have the staffing to do it properly, not one teacher for 30+ pupils and not one social worker for 20 cases, we know what happens there. As for unions my brief limited experience is mirrored in the Carry on at your convenience movie shown at the weekend, working to the letter of the union law for your benefit, even if that means you are out of a job. While this is probably not all unions the larger ones are as bad as politicians and when they go head to head there is only one looser and that is the member. The lack of leadership and investment for jobs in Britain is killing this country by taking out its foundations which are the workers. Once we have workers with wages high enough to live on those who don't want to work and are bleeding the system can be taken care of with very severe measures, but it can be difficult to sort out those doing a bit on the side to make genuine ends meet and those sat on their bums waiting for the next payment with no intention of doing anything to help themselves or their children, grandparents under 30 and their kids under 16 with new born's all getting the most out of our benefits system we are all paying into.

Reading through these comments I find lots of Political, Social and Union talk and while these are all relevant so is the lack of resources to fix the problem and why we have the problem in the first place.
Lets start at the bottom, most parents work hard to look after their children (even if out of work), when you have a child you next 18+ years do not belong to you it is your job as parents to educate them teaching them language, right and wrong by our moral and English laws, basic reading, and life skills, i.e. slapping their hands when they try to put them in the fire, yes I said slapping your child, this short sharp shock is much better then you trying to explain to a child who cannot understand and having them burn themselves or worse. After this we send them to school to get better and more education than we as parents can provide. Once at school your education of them does not stop, teachers are there for academic education your are still the number one teacher for life skills, right and wrong, etc. There have always been parents who cant or don't want to look after their children, this is what social services are for. However in recent decades more children are the creation of a forgotten night with some one who cant be remembered and once the bill rolls in for that night one or both parties cant foot the bill or blatantly refuses and this doesn't include the "children raising children" (not just 12 year old's some 20 year old's are still kids).
Teachers are for teaching, social services are for looking after social problems, social services should be an integral part of schools where issues like those raised here can be spotted and acted on. When I say acted on I mean the real issue of the right parents who are not looking after their children not the hard working skint parents who refuse to buy their child the latest xbox game and the child throws a tantrum and tell social services they are not being looked after.
Unfortunately successive governments (Tories and Labour) have messed all of this up, by not putting in place a proper infrastructure to cope with our society, teachers, social services, school meals providers are all public sector jobs and we don't have any, the current government is trying to repair the problems caused by previous governments and has got it totally wrong, investment and jobs is what we need and when parents can afford to look after their children and themselves we can deal with the those that are not and we will have the staffing to do it properly, not one teacher for 30+ pupils and not one social worker for 20 cases, we know what happens there.
As for unions my brief limited experience is mirrored in the Carry on at your convenience movie shown at the weekend, working to the letter of the union law for your benefit, even if that means you are out of a job. While this is probably not all unions the larger ones are as bad as politicians and when they go head to head there is only one looser and that is the member.
The lack of leadership and investment for jobs in Britain is killing this country by taking out its foundations which are the workers. Once we have workers with wages high enough to live on those who don't want to work and are bleeding the system can be taken care of with very severe measures, but it can be difficult to sort out those doing a bit on the side to make genuine ends meet and those sat on their bums waiting for the next payment with no intention of doing anything to help themselves or their children, grandparents under 30 and their kids under 16 with new born's all getting the most out of our benefits system we are all paying into.RealLivin

Reading through these comments I find lots of Political, Social and Union talk and while these are all relevant so is the lack of resources to fix the problem and why we have the problem in the first place. Lets start at the bottom, most parents work hard to look after their children (even if out of work), when you have a child you next 18+ years do not belong to you it is your job as parents to educate them teaching them language, right and wrong by our moral and English laws, basic reading, and life skills, i.e. slapping their hands when they try to put them in the fire, yes I said slapping your child, this short sharp shock is much better then you trying to explain to a child who cannot understand and having them burn themselves or worse. After this we send them to school to get better and more education than we as parents can provide. Once at school your education of them does not stop, teachers are there for academic education your are still the number one teacher for life skills, right and wrong, etc. There have always been parents who cant or don't want to look after their children, this is what social services are for. However in recent decades more children are the creation of a forgotten night with some one who cant be remembered and once the bill rolls in for that night one or both parties cant foot the bill or blatantly refuses and this doesn't include the "children raising children" (not just 12 year old's some 20 year old's are still kids). Teachers are for teaching, social services are for looking after social problems, social services should be an integral part of schools where issues like those raised here can be spotted and acted on. When I say acted on I mean the real issue of the right parents who are not looking after their children not the hard working skint parents who refuse to buy their child the latest xbox game and the child throws a tantrum and tell social services they are not being looked after. Unfortunately successive governments (Tories and Labour) have messed all of this up, by not putting in place a proper infrastructure to cope with our society, teachers, social services, school meals providers are all public sector jobs and we don't have any, the current government is trying to repair the problems caused by previous governments and has got it totally wrong, investment and jobs is what we need and when parents can afford to look after their children and themselves we can deal with the those that are not and we will have the staffing to do it properly, not one teacher for 30+ pupils and not one social worker for 20 cases, we know what happens there. As for unions my brief limited experience is mirrored in the Carry on at your convenience movie shown at the weekend, working to the letter of the union law for your benefit, even if that means you are out of a job. While this is probably not all unions the larger ones are as bad as politicians and when they go head to head there is only one looser and that is the member. The lack of leadership and investment for jobs in Britain is killing this country by taking out its foundations which are the workers. Once we have workers with wages high enough to live on those who don't want to work and are bleeding the system can be taken care of with very severe measures, but it can be difficult to sort out those doing a bit on the side to make genuine ends meet and those sat on their bums waiting for the next payment with no intention of doing anything to help themselves or their children, grandparents under 30 and their kids under 16 with new born's all getting the most out of our benefits system we are all paying into.

Ipsoregulated

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